St. Aloysius Religious Education 2017-2018 2nd Grade

4:00pm Welcome (Mary Queen of Heaven coloring page and to ensure accuracy, class attendance must be accurately recorded by a catechist and not another student - class attendance is an official document retained by the parish and the diocese)

4:05pm We Gather - in Prayer at the prayer table (use colored table covering for appropriate liturgical season) Use the Gospel Reading “Hearing the Word” from the previous Sunday in Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families book in the prayer box

4:10pm Review previous lesson using one of the pages from the Activity Book.

4:15pm Chapter #31 “God’s Family – The Church” Chapter #32 “Mary, Our Mother” The Christian is worldwide! St. Peter was selected by Jesus to be “the rock” upon which The Church would be built (attached is some catechist information regarding The Pope). The Apostles went all over the world as missionaries, bringing the Good News to all people. All Catholics celebrate the same , are united in charity and share the same faith. Out faith is summarized in the Apostles Creed. The Pope is the visible head of The Church on earth and works with the Bishops and priests to teach the faith and worship God. The – non-religious – serves The Church by worship and alms (time, talent and treasure), They offer themselves to God through the Mass and support The Church in various ways ex; like the catechist. We area all members of The Body of Christ and must work together because we all affect each other. God has a special role for every person!

Mary, Mother of Jesus is the Queen of Heaven and earth. When her life on earth was finished, Mary was taken body and soul to Heaven (the Feast of the Assumption – celebrated August 155th – which we remember in the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary). We honor Mary because by her saying “yes” to God, she made our salvation possible and she will always be glorified. Mary is our model for cheerful helpfulness and obedience. Mary can pray for us – by taking our prayers to God.

 We Believe - Pope = the head of The Church who lives in Rome, Italy and takes the place of Jesus on earth. Jesus gave special power in His Church to St. Peter the Apostle making him the first Pope and Bishop of Rome. The pope is the successor of St. Peter. Bishop = a priest who does the work of The Apostles and takes care of a large group of Catholics called diocese (ours is Bridgeport) that include many parishes ours is St. Aloysius) in a geographic area. Church = the group of people who are followers of Jesus and believe the same faith, receive Sacraments and obey the Pope. The family of God! Rosary = a special prayer honoring Mary, the Mother of God. We remember important events in lives of Jesus and Mary when we pray the Rosary.

 We Respond – read aloud and discuss the Glorious Mysteries from one of the following books: 1. “The Rosary” scripture meditations and prayers from the Liturgy 2. “My first book about Mary” by Christine Orfeo 3. “The Life of Mary” by Inos Biffi (list in red highlighted below are in this book) Represented in this book is - The flight into Egypt - it is not a specific mystery of the Rosary but in pondering the third and fourth mysteries, the Birth and the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple, you can also ponder this event as it is mentioned in Matthew's Gospel (Mt 2:13 - 15).

The Joyful Mysteries The Annunciation - Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. The Visitation - Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered. The Nativity - Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem. The Presentation - Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple - Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.

The Mysteries of Light The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan - God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son. The Wedding Feast at Cana - At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God - Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom. The Transfiguration of Jesus - Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John. The Institution of the Eucharist - Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

The Sorrowful Mysteries The Agony in the Garden - Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies. The Scourging at the Pillar - Jesus is lashed with whips. The Crowning with Thorns - Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns. The Carrying of the Cross - Jesus carries the cross that will be used to crucify him. The Crucifixion - Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies.

The Glorious Mysteries The Resurrection - God the Father raises Jesus from the dead. The Ascension - Jesus returns to his Father in heaven. The Coming of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples (Pentecost). The Assumption of Mary - At the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven. The Coronation of Mary - Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

 We Respond – DVD – “The Eucharist for Little Children” 20 minutes

 We Respond – discuss church etiquette and practice receiving Holy Communion using the “Prepare for Jesus and Receiving Jesus” (attached)

4:55pm Closing Prayer – read aloud the or the summary below and have the students repeat after you (practice for when they are in Mass). Here is a summary of what we believe when we say the Creed: We Believe in God the Father. . He is almighty. . He created Heaven and Earth We believe in Jesus Christ. . He is God’s only son. . He was born of the Virgin Mary. . He died for us and was buried. . On the third day, he rose again. . He will come again. We believe in the Holy Spirit. We believe in the holy Catholic Church. We believe that God forgives sins and that we will rise from the dead and live forever.

Ask the children to say a petition aloud for someone or something they would like to pray for.

“When can I visit with Jesus?” As Catholics, we believe that the Church is the House of God, to which He invites all His children -- where they may give thanks, prayers and worship to their God and Creator. Like any house to which one is invited, there is always some sort of basic etiquette, and God’s house is no different. Below are some basics to help you feel more at home, and to participate more fully in The Mass.

Mass Etiquette: 20 Things To Do And Not Do In Mass

1. Fast before Mass. It is Church law that one fasts for at least 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. The only exceptions are medicine, water or unless someone is ill and needs to eat sooner. 2. No Food and Drink in Church. The only exceptions would be milk for infants, water for the priest or choir and those who are ill. 3. Men take your hats off. It is impolite to wear a hat into any church for a man. 4. Don't chew gum in church. It is just wrong to chew gum and then consume Our Lord. 5. Cross yourself with Holy Water on entering and leaving the church. This is a reminder of our Baptism, which made us members of Christ's Church. 6. Dress modestly and appropriately. Wear your Sunday best. As Catholics, we believe that God comes down to meet us at every Mass. Why would we not dress up? 7. Show up at least a few minutes early. If you can't be on time, then sit in the back so you don't disturb others. 8. Cell phones should never be used in Mass for calls or texting. The ONLY exceptions are emergencies (big ones) and if you are using the phone for readings or prayers. 9. Don't sit on the edge of the pew if you sit down before others. Rather, sit in the middle so others don't have to climb over you. 10. When we enter and leave Church, genuflect toward the Tabernacle. Christ is present for our sake. By allowing our right knee to hit the floor, we acknowledge He is our Lord and God. A bow is sufficient. During Mass, if you pass in front of the altar or tabernacle, bow reverently. 11. Sit quietly while in church. Once you enter the sanctuary - it is not the time or place to visit with those around you. If you must talk do so as quietly and briefly as possible. Remember that your conversation might be disturbing someone who is in prayer, which is much more important. Sssshhhhhhhh. 12. Respect Boundaries others may have. You might want to hold hands to pray, they may not. They might be sick and not want to shake during the sign of peace. These are all OK. Do not make any unnecessary judgment because they worship differently.

13. Bow before receiving Holy Communion. If it is God, then show your respect with a bow of the head. When the Eucharistic minister presents the Host and says “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ” (for the Chalice), the proper response is a simple “Amen!” This indicates that you know and believe that what you are about to receive is Jesus Himself. Please make sure you have a firm hold on the Chalice (without grabbing it) from the Eucharistic minister. Please consume the Host immediately. If you do not, a Communion Minister may ask you to. This is to protect the . Intinction (“dipping” the Host in the Precious Blood) is not allowed. 14. Do not receive from the chalice if you are sick. This is an act of charity. It is sufficient to receive under either Eucharistic species (the Body or Blood) to truly receive Communion. So if you “forgot” one species or the Precious Blood ran out – you received Communion. 15. Pray after Communion. It is a good custom, to offer a prayer of thanksgiving after receiving Holy Communion. “Dear God, Your love for me is kind and merciful. Send me your Spirit, so that I may choose to be more kind and merciful. Amen.” 16. Do not leave early. We should stay to the end of the Mass and sing the recessional hymn. 17. Please wait until the priest has exited before making your pilgrimage to the parish coffee. 18. Leave quietly. We encourage you to visit with others, but once you are outside of the main sanctuary of the church so you won't disturb others who want to stay and pray.